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Tuesday, October 27, 2015

"Fake It 'Til You Make It"

Soul Sister Reunion Morning Glory Cafe 1999

On a rainy day in Flagstaff, AZ, I looked out my window to see a bear naked little boy jumping up and down in mud puddles. His blonde curly hair flying and his feet stomping. It was a moment of sheer joy, a perfect photo op - I went next door to ask permission to take a picture of my neighbor's son and a restaurant was born.

We had now clue what we were doing. We had a vision. And both, from indigenous backgrounds (both Native American in part but coasts apart), wanted to share our roots. I loved gardening and wild-crafting. Maria loved her incredible heritage and the ingredients dear to her from New Mexico.

We started literally from a dirt floor up and created an amazing place, not so much a restaurant but a place of incredible heart where people of all nations and beliefs could stop by for a bite. And most certainly a chat.

Maria was bigger than life, I was shy and willing to work behind the scenes as an advocate. We certainly needed one. We were two young woman starting a business in a man's world. Inspectors, landlords, permits, construction. We handled it all. We were harassed, adored, challenged and loved. Best part of it all - we did it.

Every day we would tackle one problem or another and our battle cry was always "Fake it 'til we make it."

It gave us perspective and certainly an appreciation of the deep mystery of not knowing what the heck to do in any given moment. We sure trusted that the answer would come -- eventually.

Not always in the package you would expect. And always better.

Today the Morning Glory Cafe thrives - 30, yes, 30 years later. The wonderful ladies who run the place, whom I've yet to meet in person, but support via social media, have still got the spirit.

The spirit that endures. Making something with love for y'all to enjoy.